FRESNO, Calif.—Jan. 10, 2017—The Fresno County Probation Department in partnership with GEO Reentry Services is hosting a graduation ceremony for approximately 10 individuals who have successfully completed the Fresno County Day Reporting Center, an intensive reentry program for local probationers.
The ceremony will take place on Thursday, Jan. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Piccadilly Inn Airport, 5115 East McKinley Ave.
Fresno County Probation Chief Rick Chavez will lead the keynote speech, while participants will receive recognition from Congressman Jim Costa and the Fresno County Board of Supervisors. The ceremony will also be attended by local community corrections officials, program alumna and participants’ families and friends. Graduating participants will have the chance to share a few words about their experience, while lunch and refreshments will be served.
The center, which opened in May 2011, provides treatment, training and case management services as part of a multi-phase program for offenders who pose a moderate to high risk of recidivating. The program offers an alternative to jail incarceration while holding adult offenders accountable in a community corrections setting. The Fresno County Probation Department funds the day reporting center as one of its evidence-based strategies in reducing criminal activity. Evidence-based practices refer to programs backed by scientific research to reduce recidivism. The Fresno DRC can serve up to 50 probationers at a given time.
Probationers sent to the DRC go through a multi-phase program that includes regular reporting to the center, treatment and training and ongoing drug and alcohol testing. As part of their treatment, probationers also participate in cognitive behavioral classes proven to change criminal behavior. Failure to comply with DRC rules and guidelines results in increased sanctions.
For more information, contact Jennifer McKenzie, program manager, at 559-454-0012.